Six prisoners were killed and 25 wounded in an attempted prison breakout in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz, the official IRNA news agency reported on Thursday.

During the escape attempt Wednesday evening, the prisoners -- all said to be jailed on drug-related offences -- engaged in a shootout with guards at Lajevardi prison near the city, it said, citing officials.

The wounded were taken to nearby hospitals and the unrest continued until 11:00 p.m. (1830 GMT), IRNA said – TEHRAN (AFP)